BUILT TO BE REBUILT

Take advantage of the extra value built into your Cat® equipment.

The Cat Certified Rebuild Program returns your end-of-life machines, systems and components to like-new condition at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Cat equipment is built to perform not for one but for multiple lifetimes, and a Cat Certified Rebuild helps you get the most economic value out of your original investment. Plus, you benefit from engineering updates introduced after your equipment was manufactured and can upgrade optional features and technologies to current standards.

A Cat Certified Rebuild restores — and can even improve on — its original performance and productivity levels. We have the parts, service and expertise to keep your rebuilt equipment on the job. Financing for rebuilds is available, too. Great low rates. Hassle-free processes. Quick turnaround times. When you finance a rebuild with Cat Financial, you always get the VIP treatment.

REPAIR

A repair fixes or replaces failed components only. Typically, it’s the least expensive option. But if your machine is near the end of life, one repair may not address all the issues. And the cost of multiple repairs could add up.

PROS

• Fast, easy short-term fix
• Low-cost option
• No pain of depreciation
• Familiar equipment stays on the job
• Warranty on replaced Cat parts

CONS

• Shortest life expectancy
• No option to modernize features or technology
• No option to add or enhance capacity
• Possible long lead times or downtime

Is a repair the right choice for you? Be sure to check the status of your warranty to see if the repair is covered. That may make the decision an easy one. If your warranty is expired, consider the “50-50 rule” instead. Will the repair (both parts and labor) cost more than 50% of what a replacement machine would cost? If so, it probably makes more sense to consider one of the next two options: rebuild or replace.

Looking for coverage beyond your standard warranty? An Equipment Protection Plan provides coverage for parts and labor, and protects you from unplanned repair costs from covered defects in Cat material and manufacturer workmanship.

REBUILD

A rebuild changes out all major machine components and most minor ones, too. During a Cat Certified Rebuild, we replace all parts that don’t meet strict reusability guidelines. For a machine rebuild, that typically amounts to about 7,000 parts. The result is equipment that performs like new, priced at a fraction of the cost. Rebuilding is more expensive than a repair but more affordable than replacement — especially with rebuild financing available to help you get your machine back on the job quickly.

PROS

• Get a second or third life out of your machine
• Modernize equipment features and technology
• Rebuilds cost about 60% of the price of a new machine on average
• Can be completed in 8 – 12 weeks, typically
• Operators don’t have to learn a new machine and can keep working in a machine they know
• Has a warranty on replaced Cat parts

CONS

• Significant expense
• Equipment downtime may require you to rent a machine
• Supply chain issues can create unexpected delays

As you make your repair-or-rebuild decision, keep this in mind: A rebuild is often most advantageous when your equipment has several issues that need attention. It gives you the chance to replace or restore multiple systems, along with upgrading the machine’s performance and appearance. But if you’re just dealing with a single repair issue, a rebuild may not be the best use of your time and money.

REPLACE

Replacement is buying a new or used machine to take the place of your existing one. Typically, it’s the most expensive option.

PROS

• Longest life expectancy
• Latest technology, comfort and safety features
• Top efficiency
• Low maintenance costs
• New machines include a manufacturer warranty

CONS

• Greatest expense
• Possible learning curve for operators to learn new equipment
• Long-term commitment

To decide if replacement is the best choice, do a repair-or-replace calculation. First, add up your owning costs: the equipment purchase price, taxes and financing minus the resale value. Then add up your operating costs: maintenance, fuel, service and labor expenses over the machine’s life. If your operating costs exceed your owning costs, replacing the machine may be a smart decision.